In Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Friday, January 30

The second issue of The Isla Mujeres Magazine to benefit Isla charities will be published soon, featuring  a variety of talented writers and photographers! Thank-you to everyone who has visited & shared it! 
Check out the Charity document, patronize the supportive businesses & visit the blogs of the talented contributors! Contact me at westofcuba@gmail.com if you'd like to donate $15 to your fav charity, for an ad. Good causes, good exposure. 100% is contributed. Donations will be totaled, published & turned over to the charities soon...some have already been donated.
Update...The content & layout are finished, and awaiting publication, while I am creating & posting the new ads. It is going slowly because I am busy with other things, your patience is appreciated.     Feel free to copy & share the Charity document! Telling your friends about the Magazine & sharing links helps Isla Charities, too. Your support is appreciated & small efforts add up to big differences. Thanks! 

  Here's a link to the Magazine

This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte 

 

  From  Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....

Reaching out to those who are vulnerable

City is providing prescription glasses for children, teens, and adults

Tiende la mano a desprotegidos

El Ayuntamiento entregará lentes graduados a niños, jóvenes y adultos

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 29 de enero.-

Leer más... 

See translation in the City section 

From Tvisla Mujeres

From the Municipal Facebook site.....









Saturday morning the Social Development Agency, in coordination with the Municipal DIF and the State Ministry of Education and Culture of the State, will deliver prescription glasses to children, youth and seniors who participated in one of the campaigns conducted periodically.
 PRESCRIPTION LENSES DELIVERY BY THE CITY TO CHILDREN, YOUTHS AND ADULTS
The glasses will be delivered to those who participated in the campaign of eye exams conducted during October and November. The prescription glasses cost 200 pesos, of which the City covered half and the recipient paid the rest in two installments. In the case of senior citizens, the cost is 800 pesos of which the City paid 90%, making the final cost to the beneficiary of 100 pesos. On Saturday, 240 pairs of glasses will be delivered to recipients as follows: 70 to senior citizens, and 170 to children and youths of the island, of all educational levels. The City's investment in this campaign is 66,000 pesos. The event will take place at the Las Hormiguitas Obreras park and the Mayor, Agapito Magana Sanchez will participate, as well as his wife the president of the municipal DIF, Marthy Vargas Leon de Magana.

EL AYUNTAMIENTO ENTREGARÁ LENTES GRADUADOS A NIÑOS, JÓVENES Y ADULTOS

Yield to pets
The law protects our animal friends
Law for the protection and welfare of animals
Cede el paso a las mascotas.
La ley protege a nuestros amigos animales.
Ley de Protección y Bienestar Animal.

On Thursday an organizational meeting was held with the Ministry of Education and Culture, which was chaired by Lilian Chan Villanueva; the important meeting was attended by officials of the 10 municipalities and the State Government. Issues were addressed for 2015 relating to infrastructure, entertainment, and patrimonio. The Isla Mujeres director of Culture attended, Ruben Perez Martin.

Don't forget...today, Friday, the Korean folk dancing group IRE will perform at 7pm at the Mundaca Hacienda palapa, free.
No se pierdan el día de mañana la presentación del grupo coreano de danza floklórica "IRE" a las 19:00hrs en la palapa de la Hacienda Mundaca, la entrada será gratuita.

With paper, glue and paint, workers of Hacienda Mundaca create a beautiful sea turtle. The ingenuity, creativity, and sensitivity of islanders are traits that distinguish them.
Con papel periódico, pegamento y pintura, empleados de la Hacienda Mundaca elaboran una bellísima tortuga marina.
El ingenio, la creatividad y la sensibilidad de la gente isleña, es uno más de los rasgos que nos distinguen.

We take charge of periodically maintaining the street light system of Isla Mujeres for the security of families.
Nos encargamos del mantenimiento permanente de la red de alumbrado público de Isla Mujeres para seguridad de las familias.

 The Ministry of Economic Development through the Undersecretary for Economic Promotion, is announcing a cordial invitation to participate in an introductory workshop for the business model CANVAS .The course is free.  (LINK to explanation of CANVAS in English)

 
From  por esto

 

Possible landing by Cuban refugees

Posible desembarco de balseros cubanos[+] Ver mas

In the wee hours of the night/early hours of the morning on Thursday, a cabbie was driving down Guerrero street near the Church of Immaculate Conception, when he noticed something that appeared to be flames emitting from the sea. He got out of his car to have a better look, and noticed a boat was burning. He said, "At first I thought it was a freighter or something about five kilometers offshore, and then I realized it was much closer and was a much smaller boat than I thought at first." He said he reported it to the authorities, but there were no longer any flames when the municipal police arrived. "When I came over it was burning but the flames were dieing gradually until they all went out....it was very fast indeed. When the municipal police arrived, there was no fire." He said although the report was also given to the Navy, he didn't see any of their personnel until 7 or 8am when he saw a Mexican Naval ship apparently patrolling in the area. He was interviewed by Por Esto.
   The remains of what could have been a balsero boat used by a group of Cubans to reach landfall on the northern shores of our island are located off the east malecon/sea walk some meters from the rocks and cages that were constructed to protect the seawall from hurricanes. Among the rocks are some tubes of metal  banded together that probably once formed part of a balsero boat. Stranded in the sand near the beach is a metal structure to which a small propeller is connected by a rod which was possibly once connected to an inboard motor. There are guesses that the boat could have caught fire out in the Caribbean sea by accident and sank while the occupants were trying to reach shore, or that it was set afire after an unknown number of undocumented Cubans approached and were near the shore, who entered the island.

Finishing touches for the "Debutante Night"

Ultiman detalles para la “Noche de debutantes”[+] Ver mas

 The final details are being done for the  "Noche de Debutantes”, a dance for the members of the 2014 generación of quinceañeras (they turned 15 in 2014), which is a major event in their lives. It will take place on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Taxi Union Lodge in colonia La Gloria, after the special Mass at the Church of Immaculate Conception downtown. Usually there are 12 or 13 young ladies, but this year there will be 18 debutantes. An open invitation is given to anyone who wishes to attend and give encouragement to the young women who will offer a dance presentation, and another with their attendants, as well as cake and a toast, as well as entertainment of lights & music. There is no entrance fee and there will be soft drinks and snacks.

Notice about ship that is adrift

Alerta por buque a la deriva [+] Ver mas

The Director General of the Merchant Marines issued a caution notice in the coastal area and seas near Quintana Roof because the ship "Montevideo Express", flying a Liberian flag, is adrift. Its last known position was on January 27 at noon when it was ~421 kilometers N-NE of Holbox. It was maintaining its navigational lights and communication system in service with its emergency power system. Vessels are asked to keep an eye out for the ship and to report any sightings, in case the ship comes near the island.
    The port remains open for general navigation with precautions for small boats due to the prevailing southeast winds of 25-35 kilometers per hour. The Harbor Master reports the temperatures were a little warmer this morning at 6am compared to the last two days, with at temperature of 22 degrees Celsius. Other sources reported a low of 16 degrees Celsius. (61 vs 72 Fahrenheit ).

 

  This blog is brought to you by....

View from the rooms.

MaraVilla Caribe   Bed & Beach    Three rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white sand beach and the beautiful Caribbean sea, with  kitchenettes & free WIFI. In the coastal neighborhood of  Bachilleres, among upscale villas & boutique hotelitos, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate.  Quiet & Private.   

 Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical)

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table & chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole, and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen

Free amenities such as hammocks, bikes, outdoor shower, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer, loungers & BBQ. Breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.   Downtown is  ~ a mile away; if you don't feel like walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop on the bus. We also have room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then come home our quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll  sleep to the sounds of the sea..  $275/$325/$425 wk   $40/50/$65nt  Monthly Discounts

Large studio (Sur) with Queen & Single bed. Slider door & view are behind me.

Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe, Bufalo, Bahama Mama, Compadres Barbacoa or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes to shop at Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or Seso Loco. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

 Charity Info
See tab at top of page!

Donation Drop offs:
Red Cross:  Social Justicia Restaurant (south of ferry terminal, north of car ferry)

 Books for Grade School Reading Program, Items for Isla Animals, Diabetes Supplies, Items for Little Yellow School House, Moto Helmets for kids...Barlitos @ Marina Paraiso

For donations to Zapatos Para Los Ninos.. please contact Greg at bullridersnider@yahoo.com, or find them on Facebook at "Shoes For The Children."

Music

Miguel's high season schedule:
Sunday: The Sol Rockers @ El Patio 9p - 11p
Monday: Miguel solo @ El Patio 6:30p - 8:30p
Tuesday: La Banda Sin Nombre @ El Patio 9:15p - 11:15p
Wednesday: The Sol Rockers@ El Patio 7p - 9p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a
Thursday: Miguel Solo @ el Patio 6p - 8p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a
Friday: Marina Paraiso 7p - 9p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a, Adelita's 12a - 2a
Saturday: Marina Paraiso 7p - 9p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a, Adelita's 12a - 2a

 John Cain's schedule  
Wednesday 7pm - 9pm   ElPatio Sol Rockers 
Thurs 9-11 El Patio 
Sats. El Patio 630-830 
Sunday at El Patio w Sol Rockers from 7 to 9 pm

 El Patio House of Music...(formerly Comono)

Sundays 7-9 - Sol Rockers
Mondays 630 to 830 Miguel / 830 to 1130 Ryan Rickman -
 Tuesdays  9-11 Banda Sin Nombre
Wednesdays 7 to 9 Sol Rockers /  DJ 9-12
Thursdays 6 to 8 Miguel / John Cain from 8 to 11
 Fridays 630 to 815 Fabio & Ryan / band 830 to 1130 
Saturdays 630-830 John Cain solo Country music / 830 to 1130 Ryan and Band..

Javier Martinez Cen La Banda Sin Nombre has played for 12 years at Faynes, we needed some days off, so less than a year a go, we let the band Radios play for us (at the same stage same time), they are great! LBSN play Weds/Saturday from 10:30 till 12, Fridays and Saturdays we also play next door, at Adelitas, just salsa music, from 12:39 till 2:00  (I'm not sure if this is still current) 
  

Banda Sin Nombre at Chuuk Kay 3:30p Sat & Sun


Fenix  Sun 1p  Salsa  They are again having music in the afternoons including the Cuban musicians, and Chucho (Jesus Campuzano)


Marina Paraiso has live music Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 7-9

Bahia Tortuga has live music at times...announced on their streetside signboard.

You may find live music after 9 or 10 on Hidalgo at Fayne's, La Terraza, or  Comono, and at Poc Na Hostel.

Saturday afternoon ~3-5 Cuban music at Veradara's Cuban restaurant

Here's Music by day of the week...with a thanks to Jean Lemke for rearranging it!

Monday - Miguel solo @ El patio 6:30 - 8:30
Ryan Rickman @ El patio 8:30 - 11:30

Tuesday -
  Banda Sin Nombre @ El Patio house of music 9:15-11:15

Wednesday - Sol Rockers @El patio house of music 7-9
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Faynes - 10:30 - 12:00

Thursday -
Miguel @El Patio house of music 6-8/ Faynes 10:30 - 12
John Cain @ el Patio 9-11
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Fayne's 10:30 - 12

Friday - Miguel @ Marina Paraiso solo 7-9
Miguel @ Fayne's 10:30 - 12
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Adelitas for Salsa 12:30 - 2
Fabio @ El Patio house of music 6:30 - 8:15
Ryan and Band @ El Patio house of music 8:30 - 11:30

Saturday - Cuban Music at El Veradaro's 3-5
Banda Sin Nombre - Chuuk Kay 3:30
Miguel @ Marina Paraiso solo 7-9
La Banda Sin Nombre - Faynes 10:30 - 12:00
Banda Sin Nombre - Adelitas for Salsa 12:30 - 2
 John Cain 6:30-8:30 @ El Patio house of music Ryan and Band 8:30 - 11:30


Sunday - Fenix for Salsa 1-3
Banda Sin Nombre @Chuuk kay 3:30
Sol Rockers El Patio 7-9

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EVENTS

 Artist Fairs on the Town Square, usually first Thursday, 4p-9p Dec~April.  

You are invited to enjoy a presentation by the Korean folk dancing troupe IRE on Friday, Jan 30 at7pm at Mundaca Hacienda, admission is free. 

FEBRUARY>>>>

 Sunset ~6:30p
 Moon rise...
Feb. 4  5:45   (FULL)
Feb. 5  6:32
Feb. 6  7:17
Feb. 7  7:59
Feb. 8  8:38
Feb. 9  9:21
Feb. 10  10:10
Feb. 11  10:58

SUNDAY, FEB. 1

If you live in Isla Mujeres, on Saturday, Jan. 31, before you go to bed, change your clock ahead on hour.

The time change (an hour ahead) is scheduled to take place  at 2am on Feb 1st.  This is a 'permanent' change voted in by the Legislature last year, that has been discussed, and promoted by the tourism industry, for years. It will sync us up with a coupla dozen airports in the US & Canada, "add an hour of daylight" & supposedly save money on energy.
      The internet indicates we will no longer participate in the changing back & forth with Daylight Savings Time. Currently we are in sync with Central time, and will continue to be when that zone is on DST, but the rest of the year, we will be in sync with Eastern Standard Time.
       DST is March 8-Nov. 1 in the US, and April 5-Oct 25 in Mexico, when Isla will be in sync with CT. During the fall/winter Isla will be in sync with EST.

 Monday, February 2 no school/day off for February 5th Constitution Day. (And if you got the baby in your rosca on Kings Day, you're hosting a tamale party on 2/2.Candlemas) 

Thursday, Feb 5  Artist Fair on Town Square 4-9p with Taste of Isla 5-7p

February 2-8 Island Time Fishing Tournament -- a week of music and fishing to benefit the Little Yellow School House. Here's the schedule as it stands now. Wednesday's Margarita Madness at Fenix and Friday's Fiesta at El Patio have no cover. If you want to purchase tickets to the Monday, Tuesday, or Saturday events, please send an email to: hasc0729@aol.com 

Island Time Fishing Tournament

 Sail fishing Tournament February 3-7 2015 register online @ islandtimefishingtournament.com info@islandtimefishingtournament.com
To benefit the The Little Yellow School house Isla Mujeres

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 We're celebrating Carnaval Feb 13-17

 Saturday, Feb 14 at 9pm: Children's Costume Contest on the Town Square for those under 13


Sunday, Feb 15 at 8pm: Pet Costume Contest on the Town Square. (Foreign residents are encouraged to participate. Register now during office hours (9a-3p) at the Dept. of Culture next to the library in the park "Las Gaviotas" in colonia Salinas, or in the offices of the Dept. of Ecology at Hacienda Mundaca.)

Monday, Feb. 16 at 10pm:  Open Category Costume Contest on the Town Square  for residents of Isla Mujeres over 13
The prizes and location to register are given on the posters.


Upcoming holidays

 Monday, March 16th is day off for March 21, (birth of Benito Juarez). 

 Fri March 27 - Sun April 12=Easter Break w lotsa daytrippers/busy ferries.
  April 2 & 3 are Bank holidays. 

Friday, May 1=National holiday (Labor day). 

The kids summer vaca starts July 14th.

Texas Hold 'Em Poker Mon & Thurs at El Patio 6p on Hidalgo..more info HERE.